KEEPING AN ART JOURNAL

Well..I'm back at it..between all the Christmas commissions, and packing..I have done a few pages in a new "journal" I plan on painting the entire book, then starting at the beginning, and writing on the pages..I'm painting very fast on these..30 minutes or less..and just not caring one way or the other.

I am in one of the happiest places that I could possibly be right now. I've rested since Kentuck was over..just worked on whatever makes me happy, and commissions for Christmas. I have freely painted and done whatever I have wanted...I've played A LOT of Angry Birds.. I LOVE Angry Birds..I think I have 8 or 9 different games on my phone.

I am FREE FREE FREE until at least April..That means that I can paint what I want..and do nothing if I want. I paid the bills ahead for 3 months, and I have everything I need or want..and all I will have to buy is groceries, but even those for the time are stockpiled ..It completely freaks the store clerks out when I go grocery shopping..they always assume that I have 20 people to feed. To give you an idea of how I do it..I bought meat in late Oct...and will not need to buy more for at least another month...hahhaha..

Anyway..the only downside to this matter is ..Nature Boy MAY go crazy..let's just hope we do not have a scene from "THE SHINING"...Poor man..he is bored silly already..I keep trying and talking him into painting or doing something that doesn't require him to be outside...He likes being out there, but I am sure that it's going to get cold eventually.

Time to heat dinner up..(I only cook one day a week!)..Live Artfully!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Well..a few days ago, I turned 51!! YAY!! Another year under my belt. This was the best year ever, and I am so grateful for the entire year! I gave myself several hundred dollars to "play" with for my birthday, and went on Ebay, and bought a lot of new clothes!! Most of them were new with tags..some fit perfectly (most of them)..NONE were too small. (ONE was a regular XL, and it FIT!! WOOHOOOO!!! Two of them were too big, but will make great over-shirts!! I got 8 sterling silver Navajo/Zuni rings (all signed by the artist)..I ADORE THEM..I got some jewelry..and I bought myself a set of 10 little "penny" dolls to add to my collection, and 3 pair of knitted leggings lined with flannel...My favorite pieces are the long, hooded coat. It's linen, fully lined, and EXQUISITE...Made by J. Jill..(the best clothes ever!!), and I also love the long mustard yellow sweater..The boots are wonderful, and it tickles me that my ankles are small enough now for boots. Those are  my 3rd pair of boots. I LOVE boots, and after having cankles (where your calf and your ankle is the same size) for 10 years, I'm so happy that I finally can fit into boots..(small things make me happy)!

I have 3 more commission pieces to finish out this year before Christmas, and a pile to ship, and I will be done!! I mailed out so many last week that we had to use a dolly to get them to the post office..I am very grateful that work has been PHENOMENAL!! Thank you to everyone that purchased from me. On the 15th, I'm showing to a couple of collectors in Chattanooga..and again, I will be DONE. I am so excited to be able to 1. Fix the studio up, and 2. Be able to paint my heart out until my first show in APRIL. I'm not applying to a ton of shows this year. I want to create fresh new art..and work on changing my styles a bit. I have already got stacks of panels to work on, and plan to buy a pile more next week...What more could I ask for ?? Life is good!

I will make sure that I share my studio redo (not buying anything new..just working on the old)..it should be fun. I can't decide whether I want to get rid of my pink and purple walls though..or keep them...I think I might paint them all white..and all the furniture white...but, we'll see.

Ok..so my birthday week has been GREAT, hope you enjoyed me sharing my "presents" with you..I will be returning to art soon..Live Artfully!!

THANKSGIVING COMES TO AN END

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Our day was nice..Nature Boy and I went to his sister's house for T-day, and I fasted..and it felt good. I decided not to eat today to remember those less fortunate than I am, those who went hungry, for those who do not have what I have.

I spent the day, silently thinking of all the things that I was grateful for. I am so fortunate..and grateful that I have plenty, and do not need much.

We just got back from a week in Georgia. We spent the week at a friend's house watching their 2 Corgi dogs..They were awesome! I missed them today..(our first day back home). It was fun and refreshing to be out of my own house! They also bought me a beautiful eco-dyed scarf..dyed with eucalyptus leaves. It is GORGEOUS..and a necklace with a large quartz thingie on it..They were beautiful gifts.

On the weight loss front..I've got 55 more pounds to lose. That is a very long way from where I was in 2012...when I was approx. 173 pounds away from where I wanted to be. I used to have a friend, and we would sit in a "group" on Facebook..she was my weight loss "buddy"..We did not do very well, and she turned out to be really C.R.A.Z.Y....I'm so grateful that I ended that toxic relationship, and got my weight loss straightened out. It probably would not have taken me so long to lose weight if it had not been for me listening to her ...sheesh..some people! Since January 2015 though, I'm down around 80 pounds.

My daughter called me today..Love hearing her voice. So happy that she is back from her 5 week vacation all over Europe!! Saw one of Chuck's daughters, and 2 of his grandkids also..made for a good day!!

Well..it's late..and I'm going to paint for awhile...Live Artfully!

BLACK DOGS ARE GOING TO BE THE DEATH OF ME!!

Hello! About three days ago, I tried to paint a Scottish Terrier...(bottom pic)..then today..I kept trying. The top one is the latest, and looks more like I wanted it to. Black dogs are HARD to paint. At least they all look different..haha..Sheesh..Ok..back to work!!

Live Artfully!

QUOTES TO BOAST ABOUT...

Looking for art journaling quotes today..found some good ones on
BOASTING..

verb

To talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

“Perhaps the less we have, the more we are required to brag.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden
 
“When heard someone's boasting,
I could smell sh*t of bull from afar.”
― Toba Beta, Master of Stupidity
 
“He thinks the sun comes up just to hear him crow.”
― Charles Martin, Chasing Fireflies
 
“Quoting an old proverb: "An empty cart rattles loudly." she said. meaning, One who lacks substance boasts loudest.”
― Alan Brennert, Honolulu
 
“Special ops (fill in with any word...people, artist, Queens..etc.) have earned the right to boast and don’t; you’re just a wannabee, which is why you do.”
― Donna Lynn Hope

“Who knows himself a braggart, let him fear this, for it will come to pass that every braggart shall be found an a$$.”
― William Shakespeare, The Complete Works

Live Artfully.

WHAT IS LEFT FROM FALL SHOWS!!

WOW!!! What a FANTASTIC FALL SHOW SEASON. Above, you will see what I have left..(Not including Nature Boy's pieces or the fabulous art people that we do)... I had a few more pieces, but they are in the Kentuck Gallery in Northport, AL. But..this is all the paintings that I have. I had 73 paintings at Kentuck..so, it was a more than fabulous show!! We had the best time there this year. My attitude was so different, and I think that is due to my weight loss. I felt great..Saturday, I even wore boots with heels..ALL DAY. I felt like a million dollars!! It helped also that the weather was PERFECT..God obviously smiled on all of us this year. It wasn't hot or cold..The sun was bright, but not too hot..It was simply glorious.

I participated in the ARTIST IN SCHOOLS this year, so we came in on Thursday, and we set our tent up..and then Friday morning, we all met at Kentuck Park, and met our escorts, and they took us to the school. I went to MLK Elementary, and had 3 classes of about 18 children each. We had fun!! The kids were great!! We made art..and had a blast. Then we went back to Kentuck Park for a catered lunch for us. It was so nice of Kentuck to do all these things for us! After lunch, Nature Boy and I went back to our tent, and hung everything.

Saturday and Sunday brought a whole bunch of friends, collectors (new and old), and I got to see so many people that I normally do not get to see. I pretty much stayed in my booth all day, and the only thing I brought home from the show  was two beautiful torched glass fish pendants from a couple called Molten Glass Designs. You can check them out HERE. One is a blowfish with the cutest face, and beach sand inside it...Both pieces make me think of my home in Florida (born and raised there)...and I absolutely LOVE them. I am going to send them off to a jewelry making friend, and have a customized necklace done with a Florida theme...Which will combine my love of two friends art...so excited!!

Before Kentuck, we did Bluff Park, in Birmingham, AL. Bluff Park is one of my favorite shows, and I truly like the fact that artist have to have original art. They allow NO prints, and NO reproductions..It is always a high quality show, and keeps out those artist that paint the same painting over and over and over. At Bluff Park this year, it was COLD and RAINY, but the customers still came out in full force. They have such a great customer support base...and with umbrellas, and coats on..they came. I was really low on art at this show, and should have been better prepared..but, we did ok. It was the first time in my artist career that I actually hoped I wouldn't sell anything..hahaahahah. I did sell a few pieces..but, nothing like usual. But, the show was great, and I made a couple of new friends, and some of my old friends were there, doing the show for the first time.

Before Bluff Park, we did a show in Decatur, Alabama called River Clay. It was a first year show, and I didn't have any high expectations of it..BOY WAS I SHOCKED. River Clay was SUPERB!! They had guys to help us unload, or put up the tent..or anything we needed. We were treated like royalty!!  It was drizzling rain all day, but we almost sold out of everything. They threw a party for us on one of the nights, and though I did not go (we had a long drive home), all the artist were talking about how good the food was, and how NICE it was!! I sold so much art there..it rivaled ALL the shows I have done...amazingly run, and good money was made..You cannot beat that!!

So...we did four shows..one isn't worth mentioning, so I won't. It has rained on us at EVERY show this entire year, except for Kentuck. One show we had about 8 inches of water in our tent, and people still were out buying art..It has been a great year, and I THANK all of the people who supported and loved my art this year!! Without you all, this life would be worthless!! I'm so very grateful for ALL of you!!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Live Artfully!!

IT IS TIME FOR KENTUCK!!

Well, River Clay is a thing of the past, as is Bluff Park..both shows were fun this year..Both shows got rained on..River Clay was stellar..one of my best shows EVER..and I just did not have enough work to make money at Bluff Park..and I was actually praying to not sell ANYTHING..but, even with the cold and the rain at Bluff Park..customers came out..They actually do have the best supporters of the show! But, those are behind me, and it's time to get ready for KENTUCK!! I don't have enough art, so I may have to paint about 38 hours A DAY..LOL..don't know how I am going to pull this one off..but, I will with the Good Lord's help.

I got new jewelry at both shows. I will show it when I have time to stop and do so...I have a lot to say about both shows..but, I will wait until after Kentuck is over, and tell you about all 3. The thing though that I love MOST about Bluff Park...artist are not allowed to have multiples of the same old crap. No multiples, and no crap. I wish all shows would adopt this policy!! Anyway...

Live Artfully!!

RIVER CLAY ART SHOW DECATUR, AL!!!!

WOW!! What a great weekend!! On Friday afternoon, we went to Decatur, AL to set up for the River Clay Art Show. It was absolutely first class from the minute we stepped out of our van, to the minute we drove away late Sunday afternoon. First, we were greeted by people, and several young men, and asked if we needed help unloading..(We parked at the curb, and had to dolly our stuff to the tent.) Then, when we got everything at our location--there was plenty of room between the tents, they were set up either spaced apart, or in quads (four booths in a square, so everyone has a corner). The show opened to Patrons at 5pm, and we could sell art that night for 2 hours. Then everyone walked around the corner for a fantastic spread of food and entertainment. We skipped this part, because of the long drive back to our house, but everyone (the other artist) talked about how good the food was the whole weekend!!

ALL weekend, we were constantly asked if we needed ANYTHING by numerous volunteers! They REALLY made us feel special!

We were fed every morning, and on Friday night, and Saturday afternoon. It looked so good, that I wish I was not on a strict diet!! Nature Boy (Chuck) really enjoyed it though!! REALLY GOOD FOOD, and A LOT OF IT!!

The director's name was Mary H. Reed, and she was also an exhibiting artist ..which was different for me, but really cool at the same time. She had a ton of some of the best volunteers working for her, and the show ran as smooth as butter...

The quality of the art throughout the show, was amazing, they had demonstrators and a fun children's area (far enough away from the artist...GOOD POINT)..and for a first time show, a good number of buying customers.

The judges were awesome..and took time to really look at everyone's art, and really judge it.

I won an HONORABLE MENTION!! YAY ME!! ..haha.

So..THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING RIVER CLAY!! You guys ROCK!!

Great people, great art, great customers,  great food, great volunteers..and a GREAT SHOW!!

We have 3 shows (Now 4 shows) that GO THE EXTRA MILE for their artist..I am glad to include this show in the same ranks as Kentuck, Troyfest (where I am SPOILED ROTTEN), and Bluff Park. They outdid themselves, and I cannot wait to go back!!

Live Artfully!!

BILLBOARD IN NORTHPORT/ TUSCALOOSA ..KENTUCK ARTS FESTIVAL!!

YES!! It is "that time of year!"..and the excitement has started! It is time for the Kentuck Arts Festival in Northport / Tuscaloosa, AL..The festival will be OCTOBER 17th and 18th..and the Kentuck Center chose one of my paintings for their digital billboard display !! It is approx. 40 feet high..and I LOVE IT. SO HONORED to be chosen for this!! It's a GREAT show..with some of the best artist in the country attending, and bringing you their art!! So..come out and see us!

Thank you KENTUCK for this !!! Love you guys!!

Also..HUGE shout out to my friend Allison for driving and taking these pictures for me!! YOU ROCK ...and I love you for it!!!!

Live Artfully!

ART IN THE PARK --MARIETTA, GEORGIA THIS WEEKEND!!

Art in the Park takes place all three days of Labor Day weekend September 5 – 7, 2015


WHEN
Art in the Park Festival – Saturday – Monday, September 5-7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, includes Children’s Art Alley
The Chalk Spot – Saturday, September 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Art will remain on display through the festival (weather permitting).
WHERE
Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square
50 N. Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060
Free Parking on the street and in the Cobb County Parking Decks on Waddell Street



Hope you all come out and join us!!
Live Artfully!!

THE STORY OF THE 13 YEAR OLD SHOES

Once upon a time..a long, long time ago..(around 13 years), I bought these shoes for my daughter. We both loved these shoes. They are Doc Martens..they are leather..and they are CUTE beyond words. So..my daughter took excellent care of these shoes, until a few years after I bought them..she wrecked her car, and when I went to the scrap yard to retrieve her things out of the car,  these shoes were in there. So, I brought them home...and threw them in my closet. I tried them on, but my fat feet and ankles wouldn't even let me get my toes in ...I had cankles from hell..Meaning my calves and my ankles were the same size, or bigger. They were horrible...all I could do was wear long pants, and cover them up, and wear big shoes..But, about a month ago..I dug these shoes out, and miraculously my FEET SLID RIGHT INTO THEM. THEY FIT perfectly..I didn't even have to undo the strap. Since I've lost a little over SEVENTY POUNDS (since January 2015--TOTAL LOST SINCE 2012 IS 106 POUNDS!!)..I actually went from a 10W (wide)..to a 9M (medium). No more horrible cankles. Another thing that I have loved about this way of eating (I do not call it a diet...because I do not plan to ever go back to eating the normal way) is that on most "diets" ..you lose weight in your face and upper body, and it works it's way down..and then you fall off of your diet, and your butt and stomach remain HUGE..and you have this little bitty head on top of a mountain of fat. Then you go back on the "diet", and once again..you lose in your face and your upper body..and by this time, your body is deformed like some fat circus freak with a hundred dead poodles strapped around your middle, and your stomach and butt is so big that you waddle instead of walk...and you have this little head ...It's a vicious cycle to say the least. But, with the way I eat now..most of my weight came off of my belly FIRST..I've went down about 5 sizes in pants...In fact, one of the last pair of jeans that I bought when I was at my heaviest, were super tight, and my belly rolled over them. NOW..I can pull them up without unbuttoning them..and they barely stay up. (I would never wear them again)..Another 10 pounds and it'll be "pants on the ground".

On the artisitic front..nothing to write home about. Same stuff, different day...painting, painting..painting..I'm more wrapped up in ME right now than art. Such is life...

Live Artfully.

IT IS A GLORIOUS DAY!!

WOW!! What a beautiful day!! The world is wonderful, the weather  is  perfect..I feel skinnier today..and Life is just good. The Karma wheel has been spinning lately, and Thank God..I'm good to go on that..I feel amazing today. 

I've been painting..and am down to the wire..Since I'm still not showing my new stuff..This is a painting that I did last year..Nothing new will be shown much until after my shows are done.
Live Artfully!

LIFE IS GOOD!!

Good Morning!! Well..Ummm..I acquired a "few" rings...As you can see in the picture above..I came across a deal for about 100 of these babies...Instant collection!! They are every shape and size, and GAUDY ...I will probably never wear them out in public..but they sure are fun to "play" with..It takes so little to amuse me!

I've had to make some tough decisions in the art show life lately..I got accepted into 3 shows, Two of them on the Gulf Coast, all on  the same weekend..One was the Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs, and as it was my first time applying, I really did not expect to get accepted. I REALLY wanted to do it, as it is close to the casinos in Biloxi, and I LOVE the casinos...But..ALL just a week or so after KENTUCK in Tuscaloosa. I'm usually pretty beat up by the time Kentuck is over, and usually without much inventory (What a great problem to have, right??)..So..I kept thinking..kept thinking..and had to make the decision to not do ANY shows after Kentuck. It's hard to make killer decisions...but, I really hate driving 7-8 hours for shows, and I'm usually ready to quit traveling. I am happy that I have these choices, and don't have to do 20-25 shows a year to keep up. I'm not very "driven", as I rather be painting than selling.

On the good side..we do have six shows in Sept. and Oct.I am excited about those!! I have been painting and painting and painting..and managing to keep most of them secret..and not share them. That in itself is a feat of great strength..hahaha..

So..we are busy working, and I have new toys, and all is GREAT in our world..
Live Artfully!